County passes land use redesignation
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wheatland County council has passed third reading of Bylaw 2023-14, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-01 to redesignate portions of land from agriculture general, Speargrass low-density residential, and parks and recreation, to Speargrass medium-density residential.
The bylaw was discussed during the Nov. 21 regular meeting of council, with the public, and the applicant party being able to speak to their thoughts on the redesignation.
Prior to the bylaw receiving second and third readings, a public hearing was held to gauge the public’s response, as well as to read into record letters which were sent in by county ratepayers.
Several letters from the public were read into the record, which had not previously been added to the public agenda package prior to the county’s deadline after circulating information regarding the potential land use redesignation.
In council’s public agenda package, it was written in that county administration had recommended that council approve second and third readings of the bylaw following the public hearing and question period.
The application proposal will facilitate a future boundary adjustment, allowing for the reconfiguration of the Speargrass Golf Course, as well as the construction of a driving range and practice facility.
The areas to be redesignated include a 3.8 hectare portion from agriculture general to medium-density residential, a 0.19 hectare portion from low-density residential to medium-density residential, and a 2.2 hectare portion from parks and recreation to medium-density residential.
Subject lands are on the westernmost edge of Speargrass Boulevard within the Speargrass community, and are immediately north of the Bow River, which abuts Vulcan County to the south.
Land uses in the immediate vicinity of the subject parcels include the commercial operation of the Speargrass Golf Course, agriculture, and residential use cases.
Letters from county residents to council were divided regarding the potential for the land use redesignation, with several letters both in support and in opposition being received.
Concerns from Coun. Scott Klassen and Coun. Rick Laursen prior to the bylaw passing were in regards to a lack of information and familiarity about the potential impacts to the land and community following redevelopment, as well as not having a concrete indication of what the redevelopment will look like upon completion.
Coun. Donna Biggar motioned for council to approve second reading of bylaw 2023-14. Coun. Tom Ikert followed suit, motioning to pass third and final reading of the bylaw.
County council voted to grant second and third readings to bylaw 2023-14, both in votes of 6-1 in support. Coun. Rick Laursen was the sole councillor in opposition to the land use redesignation.
More information regarding the land use redesignation, as well as maps of the sites are available in the public agenda package for the county’s Nov. 21 regular meeting.